First Data Western Union Foundation Donates US$1 Million to Aid Victims of Asia Tsunamis

DENVER, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The First Data Western Union
Foundation today announced that it will make a donation of US$1 million to the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support
victims in the Asian countries most impacted by the recent earthquake and
tsunamis that struck the region. The donation is the single largest donation
made by the Foundation since its inception in 2000.
"Many of our consumers, employees and agents live in the countries that
were devastated by this natural disaster," said Christina Gold, president,
Western Union Financial Services. "This monetary contribution made by the
Foundation is a way to lend a hand and show support in the rebuilding
process."
People in the U.S. and Canada wishing to make individual donations to
support disaster relief efforts can visit a Western Union agent location and
complete a money transfer directly to the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies free of charge.
The Western Union Money Transfer service also is available in many areas
that were affected by the tsunamis, so family and friends around the world can
continue to transfer money to loved ones living in the impacted areas. In
some cases, Western Union locations may be temporarily closed and the company
is working diligently to restore service as quickly as possible. To inquire
about service availability and the nearest Western Union location, consumers
can call:
U.S. 800-325-6000
Asia Pacific (61) 2 9226 9555
Latin America (011) 303-224-4284
Europe, Middle East and Africa (32) 2 639 7869
Since its inception, the Foundation has made more than 30 donations to
support disaster relief efforts around the world. In 2004, the Foundation
donated US$565,000 worldwide to support various disaster relief efforts.
About Western Union Financial Services, Inc. and First Data
Western Union Financial Services, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corp.
(NYSE: FDC) is an international leader in consumer money transfer services.
Consumers can quickly and reliably pay bills and transfer money around the
globe using the company's proprietary money transfer network. Western Union
and its subsidiary, Orlandi Valuta, together make up one of the world's
largest money transfer networks with a total of approximately 200,000 agent
locations in more than 195 countries and territories. Famous for its
pioneering telegraph service, the original Western Union dates back to 1851
and introduced electronic money transfer service in 1871. For more
information, please visit the company's web site at www.westernunion.com.
First Data Corp., with global headquarters in Denver, helps power the
global economy. Serving approximately 3.5 million merchant locations,
1,400 card issuers and millions of consumers, First Data makes it easy, fast
and secure for people and businesses to buy goods and services, using
virtually any form of payment: credit, debit, smart card, stored-value card or
check at the point-of-sale, over the internet or by money transfer. For more
information, please visit the company's web site at www.firstdata.com.
About First Data Western Union Foundation
The First Data Western Union Foundation, the charitable organization of
First Data Corporation (NYSE: FDC), supports philanthropic initiatives
worldwide. Since it's inception in December 2000, the Foundation has donated
millions of dollars to help those most in need. Grants are made to non-profit
organizations in health, education and human services that strengthen and
improve the lives of many individuals in comminutes throughout the world.
Scholarships are given to nontraditional college students. The Foundation
also provides disaster relief funding to communities in need. Additionally,
the Foundation raises money from First Data employees and business associates
to increase the impact of grantmaking to communities worldwide. Please visit
the Foundation's website at www.firstdatawesternunion.org.